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VIEWED 



1> |^^(j)$icalh), l^oUtiniUg, |lcUgiou5hK 



A THANKSGIVING DISCOURSE. 




■^^m^- 




AMERICA, 



PHYSICALLY. POIJTFCALLY, RELIGIOUSLY 



A DISCOURSE, 



)EHVEUEI> ON 



Tf^/^JSrKSGHVIlSrG D^Y, NOVKtMBER S4, 18G4, 



D. DUBOIS SAIILEE, 

!'A,ST<)n OF THE CoXU REGATIOXAI, CIirKCII, SHEFFIELD, MASS. 



JOHN A. GRAY & (JREEX, TRIXTERS, STEREOTYPERS, AND BINDERS, 

KIRK-PROOF BUILDINGS, 
COIINER OF FRANKFORT AXD JACOB STREETS. 

1804. 



3)3 



AMERICA, 



PHYSICALLY, POLITICALLY, IILLIGIOL'SLY. 



"He hath not dealt so with any nation." — P.s.\.i,m 147 : 20. 

This was not the laiii>:uao;e of io'iioranee, Tlie 
early empires were well kno^vn. 

There they were : — Nineveh, the lirst of nations, 
with the worM as her domain; and Babylon, per- 
})etnally associated with all that is resplendent in 
courts and kingdoms ; Media, holding monarchs as 
slaves in her palaces; and Persia, unable to expend 
lier treasure, with the ])eople of many realms and 
languages subject to her sway. 

Upon an elevation', higher than these empires, 
stood Israel, as the favorite of Heaven. 

Xor was it in unhallowed boasting that tlii.>- 
song of thanksgiving was sung. Human pride was 
lost in genuine gratitude of the heart. Indeed, 
inherent greatness in Israel, as a peoj^le, was not 
in any proportion to the extraordinary providences 
attending them. 

Israel was fostered, guided, ins2:)ire!.l, as weie 



none of til 6 ancient empires. Great and lioly 
men, sueli as tliey did not possess, were her coun- 
selors and leadej's. A national inheritance was 
^vaiting centuries for her possession. Miraculous 
experiences formed her history, such as Nineveh, 
Persia^ and BaLylon had never known. 

Her historical record is too familiar to require 
a rehearsal. In oiu- day it is a constant instructor 
of the mind and an insj^irer of the imagination. 
Comparing it ^vith that of the other governments 
of the earth, it was truly declared : " He hath not 
dealt so Avith any nation." 

The present is a re^^etition of the past. We 
])elieve there are to be observed, divine dealings, 
and manifestations, and what may almost l^e called 
miracles in these later days — in our OAvn times, 
and in the history of our own country. There are 
things connected with our national history worthy 
of our heartfelt and grateful remembrance. 

The hymn of thanksgiving which echoed in the 
East ma}' resound in the West. The music of Jor- 
(hm and Siloam's rill is ans^vered by the chorus 
of the Hudson, the Mississippi, and ever-praising 
Niagara. 

I. The position assigned to our country is wor- 
tliy of notice. We are jdanted away from the 
Avorld, as it were, and yet in the midst of it. On 
the East we look toward Europe. The jiower of 
our examjde is felt across the Atlantic. Monarchy 



is there crumhlliig to decjiy. Tlie boastci] mi- 
tress of tlie seas treiiiLles at tlie luitVieiidliness <»f 
a neighboring dynasty. Wo rest in (•()in])ai-ativc 
safety amid the efforts of (liioiics ;iri(i' luoiv ex- 
tended empire. The ocean hanislies fi-oni us tli«' 
idea of monarcliieal succession and of tlie divin.- 
right of kings to do as they ])lease. 

Upon onr Western l)()i'ders, instead of one; At- 
hmtic we have three. Tliere the Pacific rolls for 
ten thousand miles its silver tides. Beyond, lie 
tiiose mysteries of human existence, tlie nations of 
Asia. It is well that their crowded and suffo- 
cating millions are not at our doors. The charac- 
teristics of these nations are insatiable avarice and 
unutterable atheism. Their proximity would be 
the omen of a moral and physical struggle of ])or- 
tentous magnitude and duration. Our virtue and 
our patriotism might not save us from terrible 
disaster or destruction. The widest expanse of wa- 
ter on the earth is made to separate between us 
and them. To it has l)een given the significant, 
and it is hoped prophetic name of the Pacific — 
that is, — Peace. 

No situation could be more admirable than ours 
for attaining a nol)le destiny. In our ^veakness it 
was our strength, in our strength it vastly aug- 
ments our power. We may shed upon the world 
the light of truth, and are preserved from evil 
influences. 

AVe may now glance at the land itself. 



Ill the Nortlilies a cluiin of lakes or inland seas. 
They cL'iim, after tlieir kind, preeminence in beauty 
and extent. Our coasts present inviting harbors to 
tlie mariner. The Hudson, with an easy grace, 
carries away the crown for attractiveness from 
other rivers. The Mississippi, with its tril3utaries, 
takes no second pLace in varied and enchanting 
scenery, in vast regions drained, and irrigated, and 
in usefulness to man. In the center and heart of 
our country are found the almost unlimited prairies. 
We see them in the flowery bloom of spring, and 
in the green and gold of tlieir summer attire. 
Once Ijclield, they can never be forgotten. They 
remain in the mind life's unfading dream of beau- 
t}'. From east to west, ten tliousand valleys, 
sj^rings, and rivulets reflect the smiles of Heaven. 
Mountain chains traverse the country and vary the 
landscape. Lofty peaks, some of them j^erpetually 
white Avitli the sno^vs of ages, stand as reverend 
monitors, pointing silently to the Infinity of power. 

In America, labor receives its richest reward. 
This remark is a})plicable to every department of 
enterprise. The Western soil is unrivaled in fer- 
tility, unless you exchange a temperate clime for 
tlie heat and miasma of the tropics. Providential 
safeguards against famine exist, in variety and ex- 
tent of territory, and in the facility of communi. 
cation. Europe is looking to our prairies to give 
])read to lier people. For many years, the chief 
supply of cotton has been obtained from this conn- 



lr\'. The art.^ and sciences have been lilx'rally 
encouraged. Oiir manufactures compete Avitli those 
of the world. The vegetable; and mineral king- 
doms in almost all tlieir productions lia\(' here- 
found a home, Sul)terranean rivers of oil poui- 
forth tlieir streams of light to human habitations 
all over the earth. Mountains of gold and moun- 
tains of silver are draAving millions to tlie AVest 
to balance the millions of the East. Civilization, 
\\'ith be^vildering rapidity, is laying the founda- 
tion of free empires in solitudes untrodden but 
]>y the foot of the savage. 

Our land is probably the healthiest region on 
the globe. Great ex2:)osure is incident to the set- 
tlement of new countries. Fortune and ftuue are 
liere pursued with absorbing anxiety. Frequent 
and widespread financial disasters occur. There is 
a constant strain upon the physical and mental 
power of the nation. Americans, nevertheless, live 
longer than any other people, A larger number 
reaches the age of a century than in other most 
favored and civilized portions of the earth. 

Terrible plagues, which appear to have their na- 
tural abode in the Old World, come upon us with 
comparative lightness. Something may be attri- 
buted to the resolute Imoyancy of the people. 
This quality led them to forsake their native 
lands, hoping for a better home on a distant 
shore. This spirit, it may be, shakes off many 
diseases. 



The national entliusiasni, or, if you please, rest- 
lessness, secures necessary recreation and variety. It 
is doubtful whether Americans, as a people, live 
too fast. Instances of extremes, in one -way (»i' 
other, are always to be expected. Great activity 
and energy, however, are desirable characteristics in 
nations. Our endeavor should be to have these 
forces properly directed. 

II. We are now advancing to the secret of the 
foregoing providences. Why is there given to tliis 
nation a position at once central and remote i 
Why is the laud unsurpassed in l)eauty, fertility 
and health ? 

The older portions of the world Avere, in im- 
portant respects, failures. Small and slow advances 
liad been made in the love of truth and virtue. 
May Ave not think it Avas, therefore, said on Iiigli : 
Let the experiment Ije again permitted and ordered 
of forming a nation, wherein dAvelleth righteous- 
ness ? Let a people be trained for God and placed as 
the almoner of blessings to the Avorld. A neAV 
Eden Avas, therefore, chosen, and a ncAV family ^vnH 
created amono; the nations. 

This tamily A\\as not ne^v in the l»lood Avhicli ran 
in its veins. It Avas ucav in the political and reli- 
gious ideas AAdiich Avere its life. Nor Avere these ideas 
iuid principles themselves ncAv. It was the manner 
of their expression. It Avas the first national declara- 
tion tliat a man Avas a man. A nation decreed 



tliat no king or petty desjjot slionld place tlic i'(n>t 
of his niiglit n})on any guiltless Imjther iiiaii. It 
ordered tliat in tlie great essentials of nianliood 
liis loAvly l)rotliei' slionld 1)e held as his ('(pial. 
Instead of pushing him lower, lie should cnconr- 
age him to rise toward the perfection of his na- 
ture. 

This, indeed, was an old i(h'a. It had heen 
whispered by individuals from time immemorial. 
It was believed to be an article of the divine con- 
stitution which the world should adopt. Tliis. 
how^ever, was the first time a nation had undei- 
taken to declare and profess it. 

To maintain this princijile the Fathers of Ame- 
rica pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their 
sacred honor. Their idea was Liberty, and Union 
for the sake of Liberty. In the first place, their 
national liberty among the adverse governments of 
the earth, and then their individual liljerty as citi- 
zens of the nation. 

Individual liberty, which is so happily poised, 
guarded, and cheered in our national politics, is 
the distinctive mark and strength of the Anglo- 
Saxon and allied races. 

In the dispersion of the human family they took 
it from their home in Asia. They did not lose, 
it in their migrations over the plains of Eussia. 
It became more and more a ])art of their nature 
in the forests of Germany. Thev still inherited 



10 

Mild claimed it along tlie sliores of tlie Baltic and 
ill the island of Britain. 

Christianity breathed a heavenly life into this 
principle. It guided it to its ultimate and true 
expression. Thus inspired, we believe this principle 
Avill be mighty in disenthralling and elevating races 
which have been sinking under despotism. It will 
give them life, quicken their sloth, make them rise 
to the true standard of manhood. 

The discovery has been made of using individ- 
ual liberty as a power of national safety and de- 
\'elo2:)ment. Let a nation be found with faith 
enough in God and in the right. Let the speech 
and the ballot of the people be free, and, in time, 
they will arrive at the highest possible national 
perfection. The doctrine to vrhicli we are com- 
mitted before heaven and the nations of the earth 
is Vox jyojmli, vox Dei. The voice of the people 
is the voice of God — not immediately and at all 
times, Ijut ultimately. 

They who advocate principles of national equity 
or improvement may have a hard contest. Let 
them not despond, however. Free speech, free bal- 
lot, the mind, and the conscience of the people are 
theii's. If they persevere, ere long the shout of 
victory will l)e heard. 

The state invests citizens with the right of seek- 
ing for the popular adoption of any measure, even to 
the change of the fundamental law. If what is 
proposed is just and good, it Avill eventually tri- 



11 

unipli over the most form id able o])i)ositi(>ii. Cliild- 
ren will then l)uikl a inominieiit, ])iaisiim- the vir- 
tues of those -whom their fathers (k'lidecl. Be it 
false in principle or practically useless — though it 
may be galvanized into seeming life for an hour — 
it will and should perish. 

This, then, is the soul of the nation, this is its 
political life and strength — Lil.)erty ; inspired, chas- 
tened, exalted by Christianity. Its influence Avas 
felt to the remotest extremities of the national 
system. 

"VVe must not omit to notice here the evil in 
the body politic. While yet under a foreign yoke, 
a system with w^hich we have become painfully fa- 
miliar was entailed upon the people. An uncivil- 
ized, portion of the human family was im])orted 
from a distant continent and enslaved. Not with- 
out revulsion and protestation, however. From 
parts of the sunny South came a voice, strong 
and decided, declaring that slavery should never be 
tolerated among them. May the virtue of the fo- 
thers atone in our eyes for the grievous errors of 
their children ! 

The Constitution was formed, declaring freedom, 
yet recognizing slavery as an institution, to be pro- 
tected within cei'tain limits and in certain ways. 
The people enjoyed and professed the fairest prin- 
ciples of liberty. At the same time they were al- 
lied to a gross system of oppression and Avrong, 
In strange association, American freedom was con- 



joined witli American slavery. The antagonism was 
absolute and irreconcilable. Could tlie two be per- 
petuated together? Imj^tossible. The idea of the 
Anglo-Saxon and sister races, that of individual 
liberty, forbid. The elevating and merciful spirit 
of the Christian religion forljid. The institutions, 
the genius, and spirit of the nation springing from 
these germs of political and i-eligious life, forbid. 
We may ask the historian, or the student of hu- 
man nature, if it is strange, in view of these things, 
that our country has fallen into its present perils !f 
Could there be peace with these elements in the 
nation I As well might you expect to place an 
iceberg in the glowing crater of Vesuvius, and 
not produce commotion. 

The portents were not wanting. Murmurings 
Avere heard; flying clouds were seen in the na- 
tional horizon. Patriots l)eheld, and looked upon one 
another. Some said, these clouds will pass away ; 
this trendjling Avill suljside, and be succeeded T)y a 
calm ; fears arise from illusions of the mind — all 
is well. 

Again, deeper riun1)lings of passion shook the 
continent. A host of orators arose, and each one, 
in his own way, showed how to allay the commo- 
tion. Human wisdom exhausted its resources. 
Yet more ])rofound and violent was the rolling 
tide of national feeling. 

The immortal Clay and Wel)ster, who s])ake and 
nations heard, saw the time a})proaching. What 



18 

would l>o ilie final issue tliey roiild not discover. 
Tliey feared the teiiii)le of American nationality 
^vT)ldd l)e razed to its foundations, and not one 
fair stone left upon another. In imagination, they 
saw the eagle of American liLerty rise in tlie 
heavens, and, foi;saking forever tlie land of promise, 
Avend its uncertain flight to distant climes and ao-es 
of the world. As they jieered into the unknown 
years, they prayed tliat the fearful day miglit not 
dawn upon their eyes. Tlieir petition was an- 
s^^'ered. They ^vei'e removed from witnessing the 
disaster, tlieir eloquence and statesmansliip could 
not avert. 

Now tliere came a sound from tlie Southern At- 
lantic coasts — from the emljattled Avails of Sumter. 
Its echoes spread over the savannahs of the South, 
througli the valleys and across the prairies of the 
North. For a moment the millions held tlieir 
breath. Clearly, distinctly, the momentous issue 
was presented. In one day it was understood and 
accepted — A nation^s rum or regeneration. 

Let it not Ije said that Christian republics fos- 
ter selfishness and not patriotism. The life-strug- 
gle of our people should silence forever the in- 
sinuation of malignant and decrepid monarcliy. 

Through divine mercy, the faith and virtue of 
the people has saved the country from destruc- 
tion. The perilous crisis of the danger is, we be- 
lieve, nearly overriden. Like tempest-tost mai'iners, 
that have doubled Cape Horn, we see sufficient 



14 



liglit before us to Lope tliat we sliall soon sail 
in the mild waters of tlie boundless Pacific. 

Percliance, it could not liave been otherwise. In 
a condition of affaii\s anomalous as that whicli has 
marked American histoiy, the wisest men may have 
^visely difiered. May it not be said that the diffi- 
culty was not incalculably more in the men than 
in the peculiar circumstances of the period in whicli 
they lived \ 

AVe are here reminded we can not be mere spec- 
tators of this national drama. We are actors in 
these scenes. There are things for us to deter- 
mine and to do. Present duty demands our atten- 
tion. Let us attempt to follow its dii'ection. 

As a nation, we ai'e evidently entering upon a 
new era. The time has, therefore, come when those 
who have been opposites as to governmental policy 
should be reconciled, and mutually forgive. Let. 
therefore, the past be past. Let the bitterness, the 
partisanship, and the sectional feeling which have 
arisen sink forever in the depth of generous forget- 
fulness. 

First, I call for forgiveness in respect to those 
who have favored emancipation i:»olicies. AVe may 
view them as agreeing upon the evil of slavery, 
and in some form of opposition. However bitter 
or radical any of them may have Ijeen, who will 
say there was no occasion \ When the 2)eriod 
comes, of the deliverance of mankind fi'om thral- 
dom of soul and body, Avill not men justify them 



for earnestly j^ressing their princii)les i Tliat pe- 
riod we Ijelieve is steadily approaching. In a few- 
years it will be the Ijoast of Americans that n«» 
slave can land upon our shores without being 
tliencefoi-th forever free. Whatever these men may 
have TNToncjlv done, we crave for them forcrive- 
uess, Alas ! there was a fearful, bitter occasion. 

Again we plead for the pardon of those who 
have ranged themselves against the advocates of 
freedom. We know the view they have been led 
to entertain of our aftairs. 

The nation's faith was pledged in a certain Avay 
in regard to slaveiy. The minds of multitudes 
seized upon this fact. They were easily convinced 
that emancipation tendencies were against the spirit 
of national pledges. The idea of liberty was fought 
as if it was a demon. 

The iutluence of slaveiy on those to whom it 
came as an inheritance, is to be remembered. It 
came from theii* fathers an institution of tlie world, 
and they supposed it was an institution of God. 
They found it existing in all ages, and contempo- 
raneously witli them in other j^oitions of the world. 
The divine regulation of its evUs, they were per- 
suaded was intended to give it the sanction of 
Heaven. Moreover, they regarded it as a matter 
to be adjusted solely by the States by whom it 
was adopted. Eveiy address fevorable to liberty, 
from persons in the free States, was resented as 
an incursion upon their rights. 



16 



It was claimed to l)e an impossibility to remove 
tlie system, extended and fixed as it was. Tliere 
was an irrepressiljle revulsion from the great so- 
cial changes and pecuniary loss, it was tliouglit 
enianci^^ation would bring. 

Hereafter, these difficulties will doubtlessly l)e 
a2)|)reciated. Men in the future Avill look lenient- 
ly on many who are now condemned. Let us fore- 
stall their judgment. Let us not reprobate alto- 
gether those who have felt constrained to oj^pose 
tlie vie^vs of liljerty which have gained control. 
Xay, rather let them Ije forgiven. 

We wish to be included in the general amnes- 
ty of the heart those who, in the mighty ferment 
of our people, were apparently unmoved. Their 
course was taken not because the moral and jio- 
litical aspects of the question Avere not appre- 
ciated. Their decision was made after long and care- 
fid consideration. If they erred, it was not for want 
< )f thought. " We may be reproached," said they, 
■' for not taking our position as men in a great 
moral conflict. We will bear the burden. We 
^vill lighten it l)y this reflection. We can not he 
charged with the stirring up of passion Avhicli onl}- 
l)lood could satisfy. Our part shall be to allay 
tlie frenzy of the hour. When the great contest 
<'omes, and after it has passed into histor}^, it will 
not be said that we added to the leno^th or se- 
verity of the strife." 

And no^v we make a fliial plea. The existence 



of a divine priiici[)l(' in our licnrts will jiow lie 
tested. We speak for tliose who passed tln^ 
bounds of legal dis])ntation, ^vlio in an lionr of 
disappointment phiiiired into revolution. I'Ik; (Jov- 
ernuiGiit is restorinii; tlicni from th<' al)}ss into 
whicli tliey would draw tliemselves and tlieir coun- 
try. As this is being aceomplislit'd. Jet us imitate 
the divine magnanimity. Let us welcome them, 
with our reproaches forever buried, l)ack again to 
their home, to the sisterhood of States. "\A^! have 
tasted earthly bitterness in our discipline. INbiy \\(' 
liasten to enjoy the sweetness of celestial nectar — 
that the bitterness may die. 

" To ('IT is liunian, to J'orgive divine.'" 

We liave been taught the truth of the fornier 
part of this apothegm in a ^vay Ave can not forget. 
May we so practice the virtue conunended, that tiie 
w^orld will remember it forever. 

Let the opening of a new era be thus cele- 
l)rated. Then as a people honored and blessed, 
we may rise to the more perfect realization of 

" A liberty unsung 
By i>octi;, by senators unpraiscd." 

in. We are thus introduced to tlu' noblest and 
most interesting j^hase of American life. It is no 
longer esteemed a cant to refer to the intervention 
of the supernatural and divine as an important 
element in the alfairs of men. Xor need one hesi- 



18 

tate to assert that America is remarkably favored 
in tliis respect. A peculiar necessity exists for this 
influence. In religion men are free. There is no 
(obstruction between the soul and God. One feel- 
ino- and assertino; with others this freedom should 
be impressed with divine ideas. He should have 
a sense of his inunediate acconntability to the in- 
finitely Wise and Good. The motives arising from 
liis immortal existence should constantly affect his 
mind. The distinguishing mercy of heaven is here- 
in reflected. Tliis land is not only most thoroughh' 
permeated with the true principle of civil libert}'. 
It is also most highly T)lessed witli the inspirations 
of religion. 

The souls of men are guided and taught fi'oin 
on hio-h. Wherever divine truth is known, and 
there is found a circle of praying hearts, the Holy 
Spirit draws those of every age and condition to 
tlie path of "glory and virtue." Vast and increas- 
ing multitudes walk forth daily with God as their 
Father, Jesus as their Saviour and Friend, and 
heaven as tlieir home. 

Christians from abroad see and rejoice in the 
goodly religion of America, its simplicity, its devo- 
tion, its generosity. We listen to their words with 
some surprise, since here is no constraint. All is 
natural — the soul being simply and alone influ- 
enced l)y divine motives. Faith seems natural since 
we are not driven to it, but attracted toward it 
1)V God himself Freedom of religion has a posi- 



19 

tive po\yer and liold upon tlic jn'oplc. We lia\'e 
little fear of false liierarelial systems. The priest- 
ly anatliema in other lands is an instantaneous 
T)light to all that is dear in life. It has no terror 
on this side of the Atlantic. A system counte- 
nancing such an act soon falls to deca>'. It may 
not sink beneath tlie power of denunciation. It 
will be as with the icy castles of the ([ueen of 
Kussia, which are built in winter, and melt away 
in spring. Those systems which are erected in the 
freezing, cheerless winter of error, will sink from 
view in the genial sunlight and atmosphere of 
truth. 

America is blessed with a ininistry in the main 
apostolic in spirit and doctrine, a church with lit- 
tle superstition, with clearness in conviction of 
truth, with active and growing benevolence. 

Our people love their churches. They do not 
fear them as sj^mbols of terror. Their churches 
are their homes, their feasting-places, the gate of 
heaven to their souls. 

A distinctive feature of American life is the Sal)- 
]>ath. This sacred institution is better understood 
liere than in any other portion of the world. In 
Asia and Africa, it is unknown. In Europe, with 
limited exception, it is a day of tiresome formal- 
ism, with a sequel of worldly amusement, without 
any rest for soul or body. 

In- America, we have a Sabbath. Its morning's 
dawn is a holy calm. Through all our States, in 



20 

our rural regions, in onr villages, towns, and cities, 
tlie music of tlionsauds of cliiniing bells calls a 
nation to tlieir temple-gates. Thronging multitudes 
\KniY fortli from the abodes of wealth and from 
cottage homes. They meet around their altars and 
listen to the word of life. 

On this their day, as stars of lioly light, with 
messages of truth, with unfoldings of spiritual and 
eternal things, with appeals to the conscience and 
the heart, ^vith winnings to the love, and warn- 
ings of the wrath, stand the ministers of God, 
the ambassadors of heaven. 

Another multitude, Avitli shiuino* faces and beam- 
ing eyes, in the elasticity and joy of childhood's 
<lay, gathers in many earnest circles, and ponders 
the teachings of Him ^vho spake on earth as man 
has never spoken. 

From these great asseml)lageSj from all these 
s^velling hearts, rise the songs and prayei'S of the 
spirit into the ear of God. The Father's blessing 
descends. He whispers of liope to the hearts of 
jiis children. Sorrow is driven from their eyes. 
They go forth strengthened against temptations, 
pi-epared for life's duty, ready to receive and 
sweeten tlie joys of earth. 

The Inrthright which the American claims is 
the Bible. He demands it as his own, as a free 
man on the footstool of God. No pretended pre- 
rogative, human or divine, can take it from him. 
Its heavenly pages will l)e his instruction. Ho 



21 



A\ill walk with it tlirougli tlic world, and 1>\ it 
approve oi' coiKleinii. Its tnitli is ilic rot <>t' lils 
>soiil. lit' will Hot ])art with il until, with his 
last hrcatli, \w (Irjtosits it as his ^uidc upon the 
thrcshohl of heaven. We ti'ust this ideal has 
al)oundiuo; exani])les. 

I'lider the divine hand, the varied elements oi' 
humanity are liere assimilated, and, as it ^\■el■e, a 
new man made. Tliis uvw world Inis prodneed, 
we Relieve, a purer, noLler, freer nniii tlian can he 
found anywhere else on the earth. 

The Almighty hand has hroug^ht us to this 
princely land. It has blessed us here, causing 
many clouds to pass, and giving us bi'ightness 
afterward. As to the future, our }>ra\'er and faith 
unite. That Hand will still be witli us, fulfilling 
our ardent hopes, cementing our Union, making us 
a virtuous, free, and happy p(M)pIe, ^vhose (lod is 
tlie LoKD. 



LIBRARY OF CUNUKt:>:> 



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